Key Points:
- LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle, featured on “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives,” closed abruptly on November 21, 2024
- The closure came after failed lease negotiations with the City of Monterey
- Restaurant was famous for its Dungeness crab that left Guy Fieri “outrageous”-ly impressed
- Owners hint at possible future plans but nothing concrete announced
When a restaurant can render Guy Fieri speechless, you know it’s something special. That’s exactly what happened when the Mayor of Flavortown visited LouLou’s Griddle in the Middle in 2014. Now, as SFGATE reports, this beloved Monterey institution has suddenly closed its doors, leaving both locals and food tourists devastated.
The closure announcement came via Instagram on November 21, catching everyone by surprise. According to KSBW, the restaurant’s lease was set to expire on December 31, but negotiations for renewal never materialized.
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What made this closure particularly shocking was its timing. As one local business owner told SFGATE, closing right before the holiday rush seemed unusual for such a popular establishment.
The restaurant’s claim to fame wasn’t just its Guy Fieri connection. Located on Monterey’s less-trafficked Municipal Wharf 2, LouLou’s had mastered the art of preparing fresh-caught seafood, particularly their legendary Dungeness crab.
During his visit, Fieri was notably struck speechless by their crab preparation. “The natural flavor of the crab is outrageous,” he finally managed to say, praising their simple but respectful approach to cooking.
Monterey County Now reveals that city officials had reached out to owners Allecia Garrett and Grace “Gigi” Davis back in May about lease negotiations, but discussions never began.
The closure represents more than just the loss of a restaurant. It marks the end of a 23-year run that saw LouLou’s transform from a local secret to a nationally recognized destination.
What made LouLou’s special was its ability to maintain its authentic charm even after gaining fame. As Dust Bowl Brewing Company manager Marc Rede told SFGATE, it was “a perfect mix of a locals’ spot that never disappointed and one that lucky tourists could stumble upon.”
There might be hope for fans of LouLou’s signature dishes. The owners’ Instagram post hinted at future plans, stating they “do not intend to let our legacy fade.”
The City of Monterey is now seeking new tenants for the Wharf 2 location, but replacing a spot that once left Guy Fieri speechless won’t be easy.
For now, LouLou’s joins a growing list of beloved California restaurants closing their doors in 2024, leaving behind memories of perfectly prepared seafood and one particularly speechless Food Network star.
The closure serves as a reminder that even spots featured in Flavortown aren’t immune to the challenges facing modern restaurants. Sometimes, even the most “outrageous” places can’t overcome the realities of running a restaurant in today’s economy.